Plot-to-plot, row-to-row and plant-to-plant outcrossing studies in oilseed rape

Unidirectional outcrossing rates were assessed between neighboring plots, rows (spaced 40, 80 and 120 cm apart) and plants of oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) grown in simulated plant breeding field trials, using the transgenic dominant bromoxynil herbicide resistance gene as a marker. Bromoxynil susceptible (pollen recipient) plots, rows and plants were planted in the field and surrounded by bromoxynil-resistant plots, rows and plants, respectively. The field trials were conducted at Winnipeg, Carman, and Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, in 1996 and 1997. Seed produced on the susceptible plots and rows was harvested and then planted in the field the following year with all emerged seedlings sprayed at 750 g a.i. ha(-1) bromoxynil to identify resistant individuals. Approximately 420 000 seedlings were screened in 1997 and 1998 with 23 816 resistant individuals identified, each resistant individual being the result of an outcrossing event. The overall mean plot-to-plot outcrossing rate was 4.0% (+/- 0.23). The overall mean row-to-row outcrossing rate was 9.5% (+/- 0.62) for the 40-cm row spacing, 5.6% (+/- 0.37) for the 80-cm row spacing and 3.9% (+/- 0.25) for the 120-cm row spacing. For the plant-to-plant trials, seed produced on the susceptible plants was harvested and then a sample was planted in the greenhouse with all emerged seedlings sprayed at 560 g a.i. ha(-1) bromoxynil to identify resistant individuals. The overall mean plant-to-plant outcrossing rate was 21.0% (+/- 1.73). Outcrossing rates of this magnitude have significant implications for all oilseed rape breeding programs. Methods to minimize outcrossing are discussed.